Word is, LeBron James gave his long-time girlfriend an engagement ring on New Year's Eve. At least someone in the family will have a ring.

Thursday, Jan. 12
College basketball (8-10 p.m. ESPN2): the Mississippi State Bulldogs look for their first SEC win against the visiting Tennessee Volunteers.

Friday, Jan. 13
NBA (9:30 p.m.-midnight TNT): The early surprising Denver Nuggets host the nearly unstoppable Miami Heat.

Saturday, Jan. 14
NFL Playoffs (3:30-6:30 p.m. Fox): Brees and the New Orleans Saints continue their quest to the Super Bowl against the San Francisco 49ers. ... NFL Playoffs (7-10 p.m. CBS): Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos travel to the New England Patriots to face Tom Brady.

Sunday, Jan. 15
NFL Playoffs (noon-3 p.m. CBS): The Baltimore Ravens host first-time playoff team, the Houston Texans. ... NFL Playoffs (3:30-6:30 p.m. Fox): The Green Bay Packers begin their title defense against the New York Giants and Eli Manning.

Monday, Jan. 16
NBA (9:30 p.m.-midnight TNT): Struggling defending champions the Dallas Mavericks hit the road to take on Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Tuesday, Jan. 17
College basketball (8-10 p.m. ESPN): The powerful Kentucky Wildcats host the Arkansas Razorbacks in SEC action.

Wednesday, Jan. 18
College basketball (8-10 p.m. CSS): Mississippi State travels to Oxford to face the Ole Miss Rebels in a key SEC game early in the conference season.

Mississippi State and Ole Miss fell in their first conference basketball games. Both can get into the mix in March but must not lose. The Golden Eagles won their first two conference game.

Follow Bryan Flynn at http://www.jfpsports.com, Facebook and @jfpsports.